Free Specialty Health Care for Uninsured, Low-Income Residents

Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español sobre Project Access para pacientes.

Since 1996, Project Access has been a vital healthcare initiative, connecting uninsured, low-income residents (under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) in Buncombe and Madison counties with free, comprehensive medical care. Each year, more than 2,500 individuals receive essential healthcare services through our program.

How Does it Work?

Through a network of 700+ medical providers, Mission Hospital, local pharmacies, mental health providers, interpreters, and community health navigators, Project Access is a ground-breaking healthcare volunteer initiative providing access to comprehensive medical care for low-income uninsured Buncombe and Madison County residents.

Project Access offers donated care that includes:

Preventive Screenings
Hospital Care & Surgery
Cancer & Specialty Outpatient Care
Mental Health Services
Diagnostic Tests (labs & imaging)
Medications & Medical Equipment

How do I qualify for enrollment?

To enroll, you must be:

Uninsured (including Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare or any health or disability insurance);
A resident of Buncombe or Madison County for the past six months;
At or below 200% Federal Poverty Level.
Referred by a primary care provider. We do not accept self-referrals.

How can I be referred?

Ask your primary care provider to refer you!

If your doctor is already part of our network, they will submit a referral for you. Then we will mail you an application to complete. If your doctor is not currently part of our program, they can easily join our network by contacting the Program Manager at julie@mywcms.org or by calling 828-203-6001.

What is the enrollment process like?

Referral, Application, and What You’ll Need

After your primary care provider refers you to our program, we will send you an application in the mail (or via email, if requested). Please make sure your provider’s office has your correct mailing address and/or email address to prevent delays!

When you have completed your application, return it to us by mail, fax, email, or to the secure drop-box in front of our office at 304 Summit Street, Asheville NC 28803.

Please note that a complete application must include supporting documents proving residency in Buncombe or Madison County; household income at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level; number of dependents (children) in household; and some form of photo ID.

If you have any questions about your application, contact us at 828-274-6989—we’re here to help!

Once we receive your application, we will review it to determine whether you qualify. You and your provider will receive a letter informing you of the decision. Please note that if you are denied, you have three weeks to appeal the decision.

What does Project Access cover?

Project Access covers primary care, specialty care, labs, imaging, procedures and surgeries, and hospitalizations.

These services must be recommended by a provider via a referral. It does not currently cover emergency room visits (or subsequent hospitalization), urgent care, dental, or podiatry. Certain procedures may not be covered (depending on if the provider is willing to do so). Buncombe County residents are eligible for low-cost prescription drugs through Project Access.

All Project Access patients are eligible for durable medical equipment (such as crutches, CPAP machines, eyeglasses, orthopedic braces) up to $250 annually.

What happens if I get a bill?

Let us know about it.

If you get a medical bill for a service during your Project Access enrollment period, please email a copy of your bill to projectaccess@mywcms.org .

What about non-medical needs?

Within your application, we’ll ask you questions about needs in other social and economic areas in addition to healthcare.

Project Access works with numerous other organizations in WNC to help connect our patients to services related to food, housing, help with utilities or home repair, transportation to and from medical appointments, childcare during medical appointments, employment, health insurance eligibility, and interpersonal safety.

Our staff are trained to help you navigate the system and connect you as needed to important services that contribute to your overall health.

Does Project Access provide interpreters?

Yes! An interpreter can be provided to you, free of charge both to you and the clinic, if you are an enrolled Project Access patient.

Please have your doctor’s office call our Interpreter Network (WIN) at 828-274-0950 to arrange an interpreter. The interpreter can help you set up the appointment over the phone and attend the appointment in person with you. Video interpreters are also available.

Can Project Access help me obtain health insurance?

Yes – we screen every Project Access applicant for Medicaid and Marketplace eligibility.

If you are eligible for health insurance, we will refer you to area organizations that specialize in health insurance enrollment, such as Council on Aging, Pisgah Legal Services and Hummingbird Insurance Company.

Outside of Buncombe County? You can find additional information on obtaining health insurance here: localhelp.healthcare.gov/#intro

Where can I find a Primary Care Provider?

If you do not have a primary care provider (MD, DO, PA or NP), you can contact one of these community clinics:

Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS)
257 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
828-285-0622

Dale Fell Health Center (part of Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers)
7 McDowell Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-257-4745

ABCCM Medical Ministry
155 Livingston Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-259-5339

Blue Ridge Community Health Center
2579 Chimney Rock Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28729
828-692-4289

Blue Ridge Community Health Center – Arden
2695 Hendersonville Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
828-692-4289

Leicester Community Health Center (part of Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers)
711 New Leicester Highway
Asheville, NC 28806
828-253-3717

MAHEC Family Health Center – Biltmore (see website for other locations)
121 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
828-257-4730

Mashburn Medical Center– Hot Springs Health Program
590 Medical Park Dr.
Marshall, NC 28753-6807
828-649-3500

Mars Hill Medical Center– Hot Springs Health Program
119 Mountain View Rd.
Mars Hill, NC 28754-9500
828-689-3507

Hot Springs Medical Center
66 NW US 25/70 Hwy.
Hot Springs, NC 28743
828- 622-3245

Laurel Medical Center – Hot Springs Health Program
80 Guntertown Rd.
Marshall, NC 28753-7806
828-656-2611

This list was updated March 2021. It does not include all primary care providers in the area, and WCMS does not have information whether each clinic is accepting new patients.